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Dear Friend,
As we enter August, I hope you have been enjoying your summer and taking advantage of the many free programs offered by Fairfax County.
I look forward to seeing many of you at Franconia Nights, held Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater in Franconia District Park. Stay cool and enjoy the summer.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office. | |
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Email: Franconia@fairfaxcounty.gov
Phone 703-971-6262
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- Franconia Nights Summer Entertainment Series
- Normal library Operating Hours Resume August 28th
- Vacuum Leaf Service Survey
- What You Need to Know About Panhandling in Fairfax County
- Elections Officers Needed
- Public Safety Open House
- 2023 Hurricane Season Outlook: What You Need to Know
- Community Meetings on Proposed Outdoor Dining Regulations
- Celebrate National Farmers Market Week at Kingstowne Farmers Market
- Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink
In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
- Metro Wants Your Feedback - Capacity & Reliability Study
- Free Immunization Clinics for Children
- Summer Safety Tips for Families
- Three Great Reasons to Go Solar in Fairfax County in 2023
- Registration for SACC's 2024-25 School Year Program
- Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge
- Capital Area Food Bank Summer Meals
- FCPS Summer Meal Program
- Senior Cool Care Program
- Summer Heat Safety Tips
- Your Guide to Summer
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Franconia Nights Summer Entertainment Series | |
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I invite you to join me at Franconia Nights! This past Wednesday, we enjoyed the performance from Pablo Perez El Alcadle de La Salsa! On August 9th, we welcome the Alexandria Harmonizers (Chorus).
Supervisor Rodney Lusk and the Fairfax County Park Authority present the Franconia District Summer Entertainment Series' Franconia Nights at Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater 2023 schedule:
• August 9 – Alexandria Harmonizers (Chorus)
• August 16 – The Nighthawks (Blues)
• August 23 – Dave Kline Band (World Jazz Fusion)
Franconia Nights at Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater are held at Franconia District Park at 6601 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria every Wednesday from 7:30-8:30pm.
Performances are held outdoors, bring lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, call the concert hotline at (703) 324-7469 before leaving home. Cancellations are posted one hour prior to show time. This is the perfect occasion to bring your loved ones, dance, or just sit back and enjoy the night! I hope to see you there!
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Normal Library Operating Hours Resume August 28th | |
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Fairfax County Public Library To Resume Normal Operating Hours on August 28
Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) will resume normal operating hours effective Monday, Aug. 28. With this change, the library will be open longer, offering library visitors more time to check out books, attend programs and utilize the many resources available at each of their 23 branches.
Under the updated hours, regional branches will now be open:
· 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and
· 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
While community branches will be open:
· 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday,
· 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and
· Closed on Sunday.
The Access Services branch, located at the Fairfax County Government Center, will remain open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to the extended branches hours, the library is always available online through its many digital offerings. Cardholders can search the digital collection on Overdrive and its mobile application Libby, stream tv shows, movies and documentaries on Kanopy and access a vast array of research databases.
FCPL would like to thank the people of Fairfax County for their patience and understanding as it navigated the effects of the pandemic and staffing difficulties. FCPL is excited to once again be able to offer everyone a greater opportunity to visit its branches and enjoy its array of services.
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Vacuum Leaf Service Survey | |
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Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is proposing to discontinue vacuum leaf service after the upcoming winter season. A final decision will be made by the Board of Supervisors this fall.
A survey is now open through Aug. 18. Input also can be left via voicemail at: 703-890-5898, Project Code: 2159; or by texting “leaf collection” to 703-890-5898.
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What You Need to Know About Panhandling in Fairfax County | |
Elections Officers Needed for the General Election November 7th | |
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Fairfax County Office needs election officers for the November 7th General Election and the 2024 elections. Compensation begins at $250 and training is provided online and in-person for new officers. More information on serving as a Fairfax County election officer can be found here. Apply today.
There is also a need for bilingual Virginia voters who speak Vietnamese and English or Korean and English to serve in the Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, and Falls Church areas. To serve as a designated bilingual election officer, you must also complete a short oral language skills assessment. More information on serving as a language election officer can be found here.
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Public Safety Open House - August 26, 10 AM--2 PM | |
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Join first responders on August 26th for a fun-filled Public Safety Day in the back parking lot of the McConnell Public Safety and Transportation Operations Center (4890 Alliance Dr, Fairfax)! This open house style event is designed to strengthen community ties and recruit future heroes for Fairfax County 9-1-1, Department of Emergency Management and Security, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Transportation, Fairfax County Police – including Animal Protection, and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.
Event location: 4890 Alliance Drive Fairfax, VA 22030
Event time: 10 AM – 2 PM
Parking location: 4975 Alliance Drive Fairfax, VA 22030
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2023 Hurricane Season Outlook: What You Need to Know | |
Community Meetings on Proposed Outdoor Dining Regulations | |
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Are you interested in learning more about the County's proposed outdoor dining regulations?
Join County staff at one of two upcoming virtual community meetings to learn more. The meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, August 9 at 10:00 a.m. and Tuesday, August 15 at 3:00 p.m. and will be held on Microsoft Teams. Agenda items include an overview of the proposed regulations, along with discussion and time for questions and comments to be addressed. Links to join the meetings are included on the Outdoor Dining website under "Upcoming Meetings." A cover memo and draft text have been released and are available for public review.
The proposed draft includes the following:
- Definition: Add a new definition classifying outdoor dining as an accessory use and prohibiting permanent structures associated with the use.
- Permitted Zoning Districts: Permit outdoor dining in all zoning districts as an accessory use, unless expressly prohibited by any applicable proffered condition, development condition, or special permit or special exception approval.
- Size: Continue allowing outdoor dining located on impervious areas, such as existing patios or sidewalks of a private property by right, provided any single outdoor dining area does not exceed 50 percent of the indoor dining floor area of the establishment. An advertised range from 25 to 75 percent will be included for consideration.
- Access: The outdoor dining area, including any furniture, enclosure, or tent, must not obstruct any fire equipment, building entrance or exit or any other area marked or designated for emergency egress or ADA accessibility, or pedestrian passage on any trail or sidewalk.
- Permit Requirement: Any outdoor dining located in a parking lot will be permitted only with the issuance of an Administrative Permit by the Zoning Administrator, subject to a one-time application fee of $205.
- Hours of Operation: In order to mitigate potential noise issues related to activities in outdoor dining areas, the hours of operation must generally conform to the business hours of the principal use, but in no event may the outdoor dining occur before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. when the outdoor dining area itself is located directly adjacent to single-family development or as otherwise approved by the Board in conjunction with a rezoning or other action before the Board.
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Parking: No additional parking will be required for outdoor dining, regardless of its size or location (consistent with the proposal in the Parking Reimagined Project).
Please contact Lily Yegazu at 703-324-1314 or lily.yegazu@fairfaxcounty.gov with any questions or comments.
More information is also available at: Outdoor Dining – Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment | Planning Development (fairfaxcounty.gov)
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Celebrate National Farmers Market Week at Kingstowne Farmers Market | |
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National Farmers Market Week recognizes the vital role Farmers Markets play in supporting local farmers, stimulating local economies, and providing a place for the community to learn, grow, and work together. In celebration, the Park Authority is providing activities for all ages – such as corn hole and trivia games with prizes – and live music at all 10 of our Farmers Markets.
For over 30 years, the Park Authority has hosted Farmers Markets throughout the county, helping Fairfax residents access fresh, nutritious food and build social networks that help keep communities connected. This season, we have continued to improve our Markets through the introduction of hot food vendors, live music, food scrap collection, reusable shopping bags, and an additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Market. Through these additions, we have been able to expand our offerings to include five hot food vendors, support over 20 local musicians, divert more than 22,000 lbs. of food scraps away from the landfill, give away 2,000+ reusable shopping bags, provide 245,000 compostable bags to our vendors, and advance our mission to provide access to locally grown foods for everyone, regardless of income.
The Franconia District farmers market takes place at Kingstowne Farmers Market Open until October 27th from 3 to 7 pm on Fridays.
The address for the Farmers Market is:
5844-5862 Kingstowne Center
Alexandria, VA, 22315
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Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink | |
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This Task Force has been established in response to Fairfax County staff’s recommendation that Lake Accotink not be dredged.
The Task Force shall review and consider that recommendation, ensuring that all options have been considered to preserve Lake Accotink in the most sustainable, equitable and cost-effective manner.
The Task Force will also explore and consider options other than traditional dredging for the future of Lake Accotink, including options for a managed wetland and/or hybrid options for managed wetlands with a smaller open water feature.
The Task Force will develop findings on these matters and submit them to the Board of Supervisors to inform the Board's decision regarding the future of Lake Accotink.
The next meeting will be on Monday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room 11 at the Government Center
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Metro Wants Your Feedback - Capacity & Reliability Study | |
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Metro wants your feedback on proposals to improve service and reliability on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines.
Metro has opened its public engagement and feedback period on six options to address future capacity, reliability, and customer needs on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. The proposed alternatives, part of the Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity and Reliability Study (BOS Study) launched in 2019, include a set of potential infrastructure and operational improvements that will ensure quality service while meeting the needs of the growing region.
Beginning July 17, Metro has begun to conduct a series of virtual and in-person engagement activities to provide information about the proposed alternatives and receive public input that will help Metro’s Board of Directors select a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). Visit wmata.com/BOSstudy for full details about the proposals and how to weigh in.
The Board’s selection of an LPA is only the first step in a long process. The type of large project needed to address the needs and opportunities on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines will require federal funding as well as support and investment from Metro’s regional partners. Recognizing this, the BOS Study is structured according to federal guidelines and requirements to qualify for federal grants. Projects of this scale can take ten to twenty years or more to plan, design, fund, and build. Metro and the region need to be planning now for our growing region.
Engagement Opportunities:
Website: Members of the public are encouraged to review materials on the BOS study website, wmata.com/BOSstudy, and provide feedback on the proposed alternatives by responding to an online survey.
Online Survey: The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed alternatives through an online survey. The survey, available in English and Spanish, will be open until September 30, 2023, at wmata.com/BOSstudy.
VISA Gift Card Giveaway: By responding to the survey, respondents may enter for a chance to win a $50 VISA gift card in a drawing to be held once the survey closes.
Hybrid Public Meetings: In addition, the public is encouraged to register for and attend one of three upcoming hybrid public meetings, either in-person or virtually (online). These hybrid meetings include a live presentation by project staff, followed by a question-and-answer session.
- Saturday, August 26 | 10:30 AM -12:00 PM - St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church Omega Room (408 Addison Rd S, Capitol Heights MD 20743)
- Tuesday, September 12 | 6:30-8 PM - Metro L'Enfant Plaza HQ Board Room (300 7th Street SW, Washington DC 20024)
To register for an upcoming meeting, visit: wmata.com/BOSstudy
About the Study
Metro launched the Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity & Reliability Study (BOS Study) in early 2019 to identify the best and most cost-effective solutions to address ridership, service, and reliability needs on these Metrorail lines. After conducting an analysis of the key issues and trends, Metro developed a broad range of potential options for addressing the study goals. Following two rounds of public engagement and extensive feedback, Metro worked with community stakeholders and local jurisdictions to evaluate and narrow these options to six potential alternatives addressing capacity, reliability, and customer needs on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines.
Click here to view the proposed alternatives.
The BOS Study is a type of study known as an Alternatives Analysis (AA). The AA complies with best-practices guidelines from the Federal Transit Administration and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This will allow Metro to move forward with the study recommendation(s) and compete for federal funding, while reducing the length and cost of any future environmental review process. The study recommendations will be based on data analysis, with input from regional stakeholders and the public to define the problems and determine the preferred solution.
For More Information
To learn more about the project, upcoming engagement activities, and complete the online survey, visit the project website at wmata.com/BOSstudy
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability, or family status. If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or translation services (free of charge), contact the project team at 703-683-7447, ext. 115 (TTY: 711) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.
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FREE Immunization Clinics for Children | |
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Fairfax County Health Department is offering FREE immunization clinics for children. This program began August 1.
For more information and appointments visit here.
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Summer Safety Tips for Families | |
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Most parents and caregivers are aware that children’s natural curiosity, innocence, and determination are a combination that can get them into trouble in the blink of an eye. Sadly, too often in the summer, the news includes reports of families forever changed by preventable accidents that led to the injury or death of a child.
The Parenting Education Programs is sharing this reminder about some seasonal dangers, and offering tips from safety experts to help you keep your children safe for many summers to come. These tips include information on:
- Preventing Falls from Open Windows
- Preventing Hot Car Deaths
- Promoting Water Safety
For more information please visit: Summer Safety Tips for Families | Family Services (fairfaxcounty.gov)
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Making the switch to solar power is easier and more affordable than ever, thanks to Solarize Virginia and Capital Area Solar Switch, two programs that reduce the cost and complexity of going solar. For more information, see 3 Great Reasons to Go Solar in Fairfax County in 2023.
Through end of August, homeowners can sign up to receive a free assessment and quote from a qualified solar installer, and a guaranteed discounted rate. There are even opportunities to bundle your solar system with electric vehicle charging stations and solar battery storage.
Learn more at upcoming webinars for Fairfax County. In the sessions, you will
- Learn about solar energy,
- Learn more about the co-op purchasing programs and how they work, with no cost to join or obligation to purchase solar panels,
- Hear from solar-power installers.
Fairfax County Solar Switch 101 Webinar
Aug. 9, 6 p.m.
Register now!
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School Age Child Care (SACC) Program Registration for 2024-25 Year
Opened July 11
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Registration for Fairfax County's School Age Child Care program (SACC) for the 2024-25 school year opened on July 11, 2023.
The SACC program, operated by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, offers before- and after-school care for children attending kindergarten through sixth grade in most Fairfax County public elementary schools and several community centers. Signup is alphabetical by school, so make note of your school's date here.
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Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge
June 16-August 18
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School's out for summer!
The Fairfax County Summer Reading Adventure is for YOUTH and ADULTS and participating is as easy as 1-2-3! Participate from June 16th to August 18th.
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Go to fairfaxcounty.beanstack.org and register for the Summer Reading Adventure appropriate for you or your children.
- Depending on your age, earn ten or fifteen virtual badges by reading or listening to books, reading for 20 or 30 minutes, completing activities or a combination of all three.
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Once you have earned your badges, visit your local library branch and receive prizes.
For more information, visit Youth Summer Reading 2023 and Adult Summer Reading 2023. Watch the Learn About Summer Reading Adventure: All Together Now video.
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Capital Area Food Bank Summer Meals at Audubon Estates | |
Capital Area Food Bank is providing summer meals throughout the region. If you are near Audubon Estates, you can get supper Monday to Friday from 6 to 7 pm. More information about locations and meal times can be found here. | |
Fairfax County Public Schools - Summer Meal Program
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Hunger doesn’t take a vacation and neither do we! The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) will be hosting the Summer 2023 Summer Meal Service at schools throughout FCPS. Check out the school sites in the Franconia District:
- Cameron ES
- Garfield ES
- Groveton ES
- Hybla Valley ES
- Key MS and Key Center
- Lynbrook ES
- Mount Eagle ES
- Springfield Estates ES
Fairfax County Public Schools is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability or age, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be served in the school cafeteria, with a few exceptions noted in the list below, meals will be provided on a first come, first serve basis, at the sites and times as follows. All sites are closed on July 3rd and July 4th.
FNS will offer no-cost breakfast and lunch to all children 18 years of age and younger. There is no registration involved and everyone is welcome! Meals must be consumed on site. Click here for more info and to find a site near you.
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Are you in need of additional cooling during the summer?
The Senior Cool Care Program is a public-private partnership sponsored by Dominion Energy and administered by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services through the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging that helps low-income older citizens in our jurisdiction keep cool during summer months.
The program runs May 1 through October 31, 2023. This program does not provide financial assistance, but it provides additional cooling at home, such as fans, for eligible older adults, age 60 and older.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resource Line: 703-324-7948.
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Summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers of excessive heat. Summer heat can be a dangerous thing if you aren’t careful. Heat-related illnesses can range from mild conditions like heat rash and cramps to more serious conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Visit Summer Heat Safety Tips for some tips to help you stay safe and healthy during the hot summer months ahead.
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It’s summertime and there are plenty of things to do here in the area. Here’s a quick guide to summer in Fairfax County:
- Explore water! Pools, splash parks, lakes and more (but note health advisory about local streams).
- Summer Entertainment Series features 180+ performances at 18 venues.
- Keep reading with the Summer Reading Adventure.
- Make southern Fairfax County a staycation -- check out Potomac Banks.
- Hunger doesn't take a vacation - learn about summer meals for kids.
- Learn about using FCPS school grounds this summer.
You can find more information here: Your Guide to Summer 2023 in Fairfax County | News Center
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Thank you for the opportunity to serve. | |
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Rodney L. Lusk
Franconia District Supervisor
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